Last update:
   29-Apr-2026
 

Arch Hellen Med, 43(4), July-August 2026, 529-534

ORIGINAL PAPER

Cross-sectional study on the self-reported restless legs syndrome risk in the community of Alonissos

P. Kassas,1 E. Gogou,2 C. Varsamas,3 K. Vogiatzidis,2 A. Psatha,3 M. Pinaka,3 D. Siachpazidou,3 A. Sistou,3 E. Papazoglou,2
D. Kalousi,3 K. Vatzia,3 K. Astara,3 N. Tsiouvakas,3 S. Zarogiannis,1,2,3 K. Gourgoulianis3
1Postgraduate Program in Primary Health Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa,
2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa,
3Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece

OBJECTIVE To investigate the self-reported risk of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the population of Alonnisos and explore its correlation with demographic, dietary, cognitive and behavioral factors.

METHOD This cross-sectional epidemiological study involves 236 adult permanent residents of Alonnisos (115 men and 121 women), a number that represents approximately 10% of the local population, making the sample representative of the island's general population. Participants completed questionnaires assessing RLS risk, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet Score), cognitive function (general practitioner assessment of cognition), work ability (Work Ability Index), as well as demographic data. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software, with a significance level set at p<0.05.

RESULTS Of the 236 participants, 15.32% were found to be at high risk for RLS. A significant correlation was observed between RLS risk and younger age and lower body mass index (BMI). No statistically significant differences were found in relation to smoking habits, dietary adherence, cognitive function, work ability, or dementia risk.

CONCLUSIONS The high proportion of individuals at risk for RLS in the population of Alonnisos, combined with limited access to healthcare services, highlights the need to strengthen primary health care and develop health promotion programs for remote islands. The findings of this study may contribute to the design of targeted interventions for improving health in similar isolated populations.

Key words: Cross-sectional study, Epidemiology, Insular public health, Restless legs syndrome.

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